Orthodontic root resorption

External apical root resorption (EARR) is one of the most frequently reported iatrogenic side effects of orthodontic movement. Nevertheless, no robust and unequivocal scientific evidence is yet available in the literature regarding the clinical and biological factors that trigger EARR. The purpose of the present position paper is to provide clinicians, residents, and investigators a summary of our current understanding about root resorption caused by orthodontic tooth movement, based on up-to-date available scientific evidence. Morphological, structural, biomechanical, and biological differences account for predisposing the apical third to EARR compared to other root surfaces during orthodontic treatment. In addition, a relevant number of patient and treatment-related factors increase risk of EARR. The main patient-related factors are reviewed and discussed: genetic factors, tooth anatomy, demographic factors, malocclusion factors, previous endodontic treatment, medical history, short root anomaly. Similarly, the influence of treatment-related factors are analyzed with regard to the effect of: biomechanical factors, type of orthodontic appliance, adjunctive therapies to accelerate tooth movement, early treatment, maxillary expansion, teeth extractions, the duration of treatment and the amount of apical displacement. Clinical management of EARR from pre-treatment records to the monitoring strategy as well as recommendations for the post orthodontic-treatment period are presented as a guide for the clinician. Despite years of studies, we still do not fully understand EARR, but the future is promising. True three-dimensional imaging with higher resolution and low radiation, and predictive tools towards an earlier detection without radiographs, will mark future developments in the field of EARR in orthodontics.

Root resorptions related to ectopic and normal eruption of maxillary canine teeth - A 3D study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence and severity of root resorption of maxillary incisors caused by ectopically and normally erupting maxillary canines and to analyse factors influencing root resorption of incisors using cone beam computed tomography.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study sample comprised 59 patients with a total of 80 canines. Forty-six of the canines, in 37 patients, were defined as ectopic and 34 canines, in 22 patients, were defined as normal. The severity of root resorptions were analysed according to studies by Ericson and Kurol. Multiple logistics regression was used to evaluate the association between various factors and root resorptions.

RESULTS

The prevalence of root resorptions was significantly higher in the ectopic canine group, 11.0% of the central incisors and 67.6% of the lateral incisors in comparison to 0% and 36.2% in the normal erupting group. Most resorptions were defined as 'slight' and were located in the middle third of the root. There was a statistically significant relationship between canines located mesial to the midline of the lateral incisor and root resorption on the maxillary incisors.

CONCLUSION

The present results show that root resorption of maxillary lateral incisors was common in patients referred to CBCT imaging due to maxillary canine eruption disturbances. Although significantly more frequent in patients with ectopically erupting canines, lateral incisor resorption was also found in association with approximately every third of the normally erupting canines. The best predictor for root resorption seemed to be location of the canine mesial in relation to the midline of the lateral incisor root.

Debate: short-term orthodontics

Debate based on an opinion article published in the British Dental Journal entitled 'Truth or consequences: the potential implications of short-term cosmetic orthodontics for general dental practitioners' by R. A. C. Chate ( 2013; 215: 551-553; www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v215/n11/full/sj.bdj.2013.1140.html).

Glossectomy as an adjunct to correct an open-bite malocclusion with shortened maxillary central incisor roots

A young man, 19 years of age, with the chief complaint of an anterior open bite, came for orthodontic treatment with a skeletal Class I relationship, anterior open bite, shortened maxillary incisor roots, and relative macroglossia. The malocclusion was treated by extracting the maxillary first premolars and using a fixed edgewise appliance. A partial glossectomy was performed before the orthognathic surgery with a 3-piece segmental LeFort I mandibular setback, and advancement was achieved with a reduction genioplasty. A functional and esthetic occlusion with an improved facial profile was established, and the apex of the maxillary left central incisor became slightly rounded after prolonged and significant tooth movement. Four years after treatment, there was occlusal stability of the results, and no further root shortening was observed.

Transposition of a maxillary canine and a lateral incisor and use of cone-beam computed tomography for treatment planning

This report describes the orthodontic treatment of a 12-year-old girl with transposition of the maxillary left canine and the lateral incisor. Cone-beam computed tomography was used during treatment planning. The transposed tooth positions were corrected with an unconventional orthodontic approach. Treatment alternatives and their clinical concerns are presented.